Chances are good that most aging adults have arthritis somewhere in their body as it is one of the most common age-related conditions that seniors develop. Due to age, seniors gradually develop stiffness and pain in the joints, those soft areas where bones come together. Managing arthritis is something that family caregivers and home care providers help senior do all year long, but many notice a spike in symptoms during the cold and wet winter months. This is known as a winter flare-up of arthritis and it requires some extra attention, so the elderly adults can deal with the discomfort and pain.
Seniors who experience a winter flare-up of arthritis have swelling and inflammation in the joints, accompanied by stiffness and pain. The cold and damp weather adversely affects arthritis, where warm and dry conditions make the joints feel better and reduce swelling. A winter flare-up can get so bad that aging adults may not be able to take care of their own daily needs, such as bathing, showering, getting dressed, grooming, preparing meals or doing housework. They must rely on family caregivers and home care providers because their arthritis is so bad.
The key to managing a winter flare-up of arthritis is to create the most favorable conditions for the aging adult. This means keeping the joints as warm and flexible as possible. Family caregivers and home care providers can ensure the aging adult is dressed in loose layers of clothing to maximize warmth. Blankets and space heaters can also help seniors feel more comfortable in the cold weather.
Warming up the affected areas directly can also help seniors combat a winter flare-up of arthritis. They may want to wear lightweight gloves or mittens on their hands, even in the house. A heating pad or hot water bottle can help arthritic shoulders, knees and feet feel better. Even a warm bath or shower on the worst days brings relief, and family caregivers and home care providers can assist the aging adult with that.
Indirectly, elderly adults can combat winter flare-ups of arthritis by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes a nutritious diet and plenty of water to stay hydrated. Regular activity and mild exercise may be more difficult in the winter, but it is important for maintaining flexibility and strength, which can help alleviate arthritis symptoms. Physical therapy, occupational therapy and massages may also contribute to a more tolerable condition when arthritis flares up in winter.
Above all, managing arthritis conditions during a winter flare-up is not something that aging adults can do alone. They need their support network of family caregivers, home care providers, friends and doctor to minimize the pain and discomfort they experience. With a proactive approach to treating the symptoms, a winter flare-up of arthritis can be minimized and the aging adult can continue on with their life in comfort.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING CAREGIVERS IN RIVER FOREST, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE LA GRANGE. CALL TODAY: 708-551-2500.
Seniors who experience a winter flare-up of arthritis have swelling and inflammation in the joints, accompanied by stiffness and pain. The cold and damp weather adversely affects arthritis, where warm and dry conditions make the joints feel better and reduce swelling. A winter flare-up can get so bad that aging adults may not be able to take care of their own daily needs, such as bathing, showering, getting dressed, grooming, preparing meals or doing housework. They must rely on family caregivers and home care providers because their arthritis is so bad.
The key to managing a winter flare-up of arthritis is to create the most favorable conditions for the aging adult. This means keeping the joints as warm and flexible as possible. Family caregivers and home care providers can ensure the aging adult is dressed in loose layers of clothing to maximize warmth. Blankets and space heaters can also help seniors feel more comfortable in the cold weather.
Warming up the affected areas directly can also help seniors combat a winter flare-up of arthritis. They may want to wear lightweight gloves or mittens on their hands, even in the house. A heating pad or hot water bottle can help arthritic shoulders, knees and feet feel better. Even a warm bath or shower on the worst days brings relief, and family caregivers and home care providers can assist the aging adult with that.
Indirectly, elderly adults can combat winter flare-ups of arthritis by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes a nutritious diet and plenty of water to stay hydrated. Regular activity and mild exercise may be more difficult in the winter, but it is important for maintaining flexibility and strength, which can help alleviate arthritis symptoms. Physical therapy, occupational therapy and massages may also contribute to a more tolerable condition when arthritis flares up in winter.
Above all, managing arthritis conditions during a winter flare-up is not something that aging adults can do alone. They need their support network of family caregivers, home care providers, friends and doctor to minimize the pain and discomfort they experience. With a proactive approach to treating the symptoms, a winter flare-up of arthritis can be minimized and the aging adult can continue on with their life in comfort.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING CAREGIVERS IN RIVER FOREST, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE LA GRANGE. CALL TODAY: 708-551-2500.